Trillmonga Presents: The Durty Dozen Showcase Part 1
DJ Ant Durty (@djantdurty) recently did what many DJ’s can’t and don’t do very often. He had an idea for an artist showcase, booked talent, and executed the event seamlessly. The Durty Dozen Showcase took place at Atlanta’s newest hotspot; VODS Lounge & Bistro (@vodsatl) on February 20th, between 7-10 PM.
The showcase was hosted by Young Day Day (@Yungdaddynasty), who says he isn’t a comedian, but I beg to differ. The few moments I spent with him were spent laughing; which made him the perfect person to keep the crowd engaged and excited to see the upcoming performers. Young Day Day is originally from LA but has lived in Atlanta for the past 10 years and works the room like a native that grew up with everyone in his presence.
Trillmonga.com was granted the opportunity to sit down with many of the performers and featured artists. See what we found out about your new faves below. Make sure to follow them on social media and download their music immediately!
· Featured Artist: GFZ Milltick3t (@gfz_milltick3t) Twitter: (@MillTick3t_GFz)- GFZ Milltick3t is originally from Philadelphia but has been living on the East Side of Atlanta for 16-17 years. He started rapping at the age of 6 but didn’t take it seriously and began his career by battle rapping and freestyling over other rappers’ beats. Some of his biggest influences are Meek Mill, Young Dolph, Gucci Mane, The Rocafella Camp, Jay-Z, Young Gunz, and Cassidy. Being from Philly, Milltick3t grew up in the battle culture, so he’s able to use metaphors and punchlines in his rhymes when he sees fit, however, he’s also able to adapt to the way rap is trending today so he doesn’t rely too heavily on those things. He says that the beat/production of a track dictates what he writes, and because he isn’t necessarily chasing his next single, he can make music that allows him to stay true to himself. Milltick3t had been out of prison a year to the day of this performance and has been staying out of trouble by remaining focused and grinding in the studio.
Latest Single: Run up a Bag (DJ Ant Durty broke this single)
Pump 5
Mixtape: The MillTick3t (available on all streaming platforms)
· Featured Artist: Money Mu (@stillpaidmu)- Originally from the Eastside of Atlanta, Money Mu has been rapping seriously for about 2 years. He describes himself as bringing high energy to his music with genuine authenticity. The label he’s with is Still Paid, and they have an in-house set of producers that he works with along with others. The singles he’s promoting are “Hittin” produced by @mondomadedat and “Eat” produced by @Junethejenius.
Latest Single: Eat
Mixtape: Believe
· Featured Artist: Paxquiao (@paxquiao)- Hailing from the Southside of Atlanta, Paxquiao has only been rapping for about 7-8 months. Paxquiao’s name evolved from his childhood nickname of “Pacman” which was given to him as a kid because he ate everything. When he began in music, people started calling him variations of “Pacman”, and he settled on Paxquiao. The first thing I noticed about him was the small opaque white-rimmed sunglasses he is wearing. Surprisingly, he doesn’t seem obnoxious wearing them as others do when wearing sunglasses in the club because they seem to accentuate his personality. He explains that he started wearing them because he didn’t want people to see his eyes while he was high. While they have become a part of his persona, he can’t seem to find the frames anywhere. I suggested that he try Warby Parker and stock up on as many pairs as possible. He has no desire to sign to a major label because he’s aware of the issues that come along with that, he prefers to continue on the independent route.
Latest Single: Ride2getha ft. Derezdeshon (@derezdeshon)
Dis Dat
Album: Dodgin The Raindrops (available on all streaming platforms)
· Mare da Truth (@maredatruth)- Walked up with an amazing energy, so I looked forward to hearing what he had to say. Mare is originally from the West Side of Atlanta and has only been rapping for 2 years. He just graduated from Savannah State University where he Majored in Audio/Video Production and Mass Communication, which allows him to be very hands-on in his career, editing his own videos and engineering his music. His musical taste includes Usher, R.Kelly, Drake, Young Thug, and Future. He also listens to Green Day, Panic at the Disco and a little Kelly Clarkson giving him a slight creative advantage over other artists that only listen to the genre of music they create. Mare uses his vocals as an instrument and says that he “paints pictures with his music”. He bases his music off vibes and wants you to feel like you’re on a cloud when you’re listening.
Latest Single: Destiny’s Secrets (available on all streaming platforms)
Mixtape- Before the Cloud (streaming on Apple and Soundcloud)
· Handsome Hunter (@Handsome_Hunter)- The lone performer that raps and seriously sings his hooks because he’s just as passionate about singing as he is about rapping. Originally from Memphis, TN; he’s been in Atlanta for a year and made the move strictly for music. Usher is the artist that made him start singing and his biggest musical influences include Project Pat, Chris Brown, and Mo 3. He mentioned that Memphis doesn’t have a current male R&B artist, and he’s gunning for that spot.
Latest Single: Testify
Mixtape: R&B Drip
· Cartier Cartell (@CartierCartell)- This man walked up to me and I was immediately locked in. His demeanor and personality were absolutely charming. Born in Dallas/Ft. Worth, he currently resides on the East Side of Atlanta. Cartier has been rapping as a solo artist for 6 years because the group that he was a part of slowly started getting locked up and/or unfortunately killed. Lil’ Wayne is largely the reason that he began rapping, and that’s where his face tattoos come from. Any artist that’s hustling, grinding, and starting from ground zero is his motivation. His biggest musical influences are Bun B, Jay-Z, and Meek Mill. It’s not a surprise that he considers himself a true lyricist listing those artists as his influences. He wants his fans to know that he’s original and wants to have fun.
Latest Single: Money Issues
T.Nicole is a self-professed hip-hop head. Raised on early 90’s hip-hop and R&B, she has an extensive knowledge of both and will go toe to toe with any male counterpart if challenged. Her favorite rapper is Jay-Z and favorite singer is Teena Marie, just to give you an idea of her musical tastes. Make sure to check out her blog Tnicolewrites.com